Favorite EPCOT Pavilion? (In terms of building)

[MarkTwain]

I've always thought that Spaceship Earth is Disney's greatest architectural asset. The fact that Buckminster Fuller had basically designed the pavilion, and that Disney had the vision to use it for a park icon gives Disney instant cred in the architectural world IMO. Very simple design, beautifully abstracted, yet packs a lot of meaning and is interesting to look at from any angle. The fact that an entire ride fits inside such a propped up building only adds to its engineering marvel.

If Spaceship Earth didn't count, I would probably say the Land as my favorite Future World pavilion. The way it looms over western EPCOT on its hilltop, like some sort of steel-and-glass mountain perfectly exemplifies its theme. It's also very experiential: the idea that you climb the slope and enter the dense landscaping makes you very aware of the ground beneath your feet and the nature around you before you even enter the pavilion, and the beautiful mosaic tile murals and compressed, earthy entrance continue to drive the theme home. Then of course you enter inside and move in spirals deeper into the ground. Perfect conveyance of theme as an architectural experience.

Mission Space, as others have noticed is also nice from a compositional standpoint, and Universe of Energy is amazing in that it is a massive showbuilding that sits entirely on stage within view, and doesn't come across as overwhelmingly huge. Future World is blessed with lots of nice architecture thankfully.

 

[Mikester71]

Would go with Spaceship Earth first and then probably The Land.

 

[perry23]

SSE and then Mexico. I love the atmosphere of the building.

 

[thewhitequeen]

Horizons :animwink:

I like Spaceship Earth and the Mexico pavillion.

 

[Expo_Seeker40]

SSE (Oh no I used an abbreviation :lol: :fork is my favorite design

but I also like UoE alot...the angled building and massive theaters.

 

[scbb11Sketch]

I love all of EPCOT's buildings, but as far as an absolute favorite, I would have to go with The Living Seas. It's so dynamic and organic. So cool to look at. And I agree the original mural was better than the one with Nemo and all the fish on it.

 

[marni1971]

If only the Seas lighting scheme was still used. The floodlights Nemo uses are so cheap and tacky.

 

[Chrononymous]

I like Mexico, Morocco and the Universe of Energy Pavillions.

I also think the Land is quite beautiful

 

[mickey2008.1]

Space Ship Earth in future world. As far as world showcase, its a toss up between morocco and norway. Both are beautiful structures that represent there countries well.

 

[juan]

Imagination for sure -- the fountains, lighting, etc

then SSE

 

[Bravo 229]

For me it will always be Horizons and the Imagination! Pavilion, walking up to something that looked like a spaceship left me speechless.

 

[rct247]

Spaceship Earth!!! Architecturally it is brilliant. Use of space is amazing as well.

Although I'm not a complete fan of the outside design of the building, I love the concept of The Land pavilion. It contains restaurants, shops, restrooms, and attractions. I like that Wonders of Life had the same concept/design, but The Land pulled it off better. Wonders of Life was too much like a shopping mall.

I had always wished that each pavilion was designed more in this way with the shops, restaurants, restrooms, and attractions all under a central atrium. Mission: Space could have been more like a space port/ domed city on another planet. Test Track could have been like a transportation station (rail/aiport) or a car salesroom. The Living Seas could is already partially set up; it just needs the ride and restaurant to have entrances in Sea Base Alpha. Universe of Energy could have some inner city feel to it with lots of lights and movement and energy. You get the idea. I just like how each pavilion is self contained inside a building.

 

[marni1971]

I had always wished that each pavilion was designed more in this way with the shops, restaurants, restrooms, and attractions all under a central atrium.

The original (loose) plan of Futureworld was to have the West pavilions like this. The east pavilions should have had their non-ride areas in Communicore. GM chose to have the Transcenter instead, and GE decided they had enough property-wide to negate the need to spend more, though they did add more GE Logos to Horizons after the P&P mural was removed. Only Exxon and Bell/AT&T had exhibit space in Communicore in the end.

 

[hurricanepat]

Anyplace alcohol is served is my favorite pavilion. Followed by the bathroom.

 

[Texas84]

WS - Japan (otaku desu)
FW - The Land (something about the landscaping)

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

Journey into Imagination is my favorite pavilion at Epcot, such a beautiful design from so many angles with great complements from the exterior gardens, although I think it's original color scheme was nicer than the current one.

 

[LowesChevy]

I have to give props to Morocco too.

I also love the United Kingdom's Pavilion as well.